Lithuanian Riflemen's Union

Lithuanian Riflemen's Union
(Lietuvos šaulių sąjunga)
Insignia of the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union
Active1919–1940
1944–1953 (Guerrilla war in the Baltic states)
1954–1989 (in exile)
1989–present
Country Lithuania
AllegianceLithuanian Armed Forces
TypeParamilitary organization
RoleCivilian self-defence organization
Size14,000[1]
Garrison/HQKaunas
Nickname(s)Šauliai
AnniversariesJune 27, 1919 (founding)
September 20, 1989 (restoration)
EngagementsLithuanian Wars of Independence
Klaipėda Revolt
June uprising Lithuanian partisans
January Events in Lithuania
Websitesauliusajunga.lt
Commanders
Current
commander
Colonel Linas Idzelis
Insignia
LRU member's badge
Flag

The Lithuanian Riflemen's Union (LRU, Lithuanian: Lietuvos šaulių sąjunga), also referred to as Šauliai (the Riflemen; from Lithuanian: šaulys for rifleman), is a paramilitary non-profit organization supported by the Government of Lithuania, that is active in three main areas: military training, sport, and culture, but this differs between peace and wartime.

In peacetime, it prepares Lithuania's citizens for armed and unarmed resistance, ensures public safety and defends Lithuania's integrity and independence. In wartime it would support the Lithuanian Armed Forces with its fighting units, and use other units to ensure internal stability and defend critical infrastructure.

  1. ^ "The Government approves the Riflemen's Union's operational strategy" (in Lithuanian).

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